The acceleration of digitalization combined with the increase demand for data has driven innovation for virtualization technologies such as VXLAN in the data center. It also allowed for multi-tenancy and its scalability features have also driven its use in the enterprise. However, VXLAN required complex configuration utilizing underlay multicast technologies with reactive flood-and-learn learning model. This has driven an intelligent control plane protocol to allow for proactive learning of connected hosts that simplified configuration and maintenance. This control plane protocol is EVPN.
EVPN is a next-generation technology based on MP-BGP, which a proven and stable protocol, to provide a single and unified control plane protocol that supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 services. It has many use cases in the Data Center, DCI, and the enterprise campus.
It's flexibility in running over multiple data-plane encapsulation such as VXLAN, MPLS, PBB, and more along with its advanced features provides an efficient and optimized network fabric that can easily scale.
Some of its advanced features include:
• Distributed Anycast Gateway (DAG) functionality which allows for host mobility and optimal traffic forwarding
• ARP suppression which brings optimization to the EVPN fabric
• Mass withdrawal features that provide fast convergence
• Multi-homing at the edge which provides effective utilization of resources
• MAC mobility feature which allows for seamless host migrations activities
Add to that the Alcatel-Lucent Operating System (AOS) EVPN model which increases the network scalability, simplicity, and stability. Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise service-defined networking features such as Virtual Chassis (VC) technology, Dynamic services, Zero Trust Architecture, and Universal Network Profile (UNP) allows for achieving an autonomous multi-technology fabric network from the edge to the core that helps simplify operations, thereby improving business agility.
EVPN-VXLAN is available today starting AOS release 8.10R1 on the OmniSwitch 6900. If you are interested to know more, we recommend reading our EVPN Architecture Guide.
